Kingmaker: Divided Souls by Toby Clements

Kingmaker #3

by Toby Clements

'An enthralling adventure story, honest and powerful. The Wars of the Roses are imagined here with energy, with ferocity, with hunger to engage the reader.' Hilary MantelLent, 1469The recent wars between the House of York and the House of Lancaster seem over. The Yorkist King Edward sits on his throne in Westminster, while the Lancastrian claimants are in exile or under lock and key in the Tower.But within the family of York there is discord. The Earl of Warwick conspires against his King, and while to one another's faces they are all smiles, their household men speak in lies and whispers.No man comes to court unarmed.Thomas and Katherine have returned to Marton Hall, the only home they know.But what lies buried in the past cannot remain so for long, and soon they are forced to take up arms once more in one of the most savage wars in history.The Wars of the Roses . . .

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook, Medieval, British Literature, 15th Century

Hardcover

First published June 30, 2016

Reviews

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having read the first two volumes of the "Kingmaker" series, I have to admit that this 3rd instalment is just as exciting and gripping as its two predecessors.
The book contains a wonderful described author's note at the end of the book, while at the beginning there is a real lifelike interwoven Family Tree of the Houses of Lancaster, York and Tudor, as from King Edward III, and you'll find a list of historical characters who are featuring in this delightful book.
Wonderful storytelling makes this book such a great joy to read, simply because the author has made it possible to produce well believable characters, whether real or fictional, who in these hard and brutal times come vividly to life within this tale with real lifelike reasoning, decisions and actions towards family, friends and foe.
Within all these circumstances and surroundings, it is there where we find our main fictional characters, Thomas and Katherine of Marton Hall, who have their own tribulations and hardships to endure during this period of time within the Wars of the Roses.
The book has now moved on to the year AD 1469, and England in turmoil with Edward of York as King on the throne, and the Lancastrian claimants in exile or locked up in the Tower.
At the same time our "Kingmaker", the Earl of Warwick, is plotting and scheming against his former ally and now enemy King Edward IV, in making the King prisoner at some stage but finally releasing him for some unclear reasons, but to thwart the King one final time he'll make one last throw of the dice by allowing the King's brother, George, the Duke of Clarence, to marry his daughter Isobel.
What will follow is a gripping story of love and hate, of loyalty and betrayal, and of victory and defeat in this intriguing world of power, lust, greed and Kingship.
Fully recommended, for this is a tremendous tale and thus in my opinion "A Very Thrilling Sequel"!

[Robin Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

This is the 3rd book in this excellent series from Toby Clements, a series that has always surprised me from page one. I will admit to being fairly easy when it comes to a decent Historical Fiction book, give me a decent battle, with a good build up and great characters i can enjoy and i’m a happy reader. Conn Iggulden has done this period recently and just completed his series with Ravenspur, as ever he has dramatic prose and sweeping scenery and all the major players, the knights and lords and kings and queens. Toby on the other hand brings the same story down to a more earthly level, to the common man (and woman) caught up in events beyond his/her control, buffeted by the winds of power that change with the fickle moods of royalty and betrayal.

for full review: https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and Divided Souls is, without doubt, the best of them all. A fantastic achievement.

[Debbie Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series and book 3 doesn't disappoint. Yet again, a superb reconstruction of a complex situation in English history that takes all your wits to follow who is who at the best of times. The protagonists are beautifully crafted by the author as are the others that drift in and out of their lives. The adventure presents a highly plausible set of circumstances, exquisitely interweaving fact and fiction amidst the battles and political intrigue of the era. I cannot wait to inhale the next episode of this fabulous tale. I am missing the characters already.

[Liviu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner in the series following the two main characters through many adventures and travails during the Wars of the Roses; again touching on famous events and personages but written from a "common man/woman" of the times pov; lots of energy, dark at times and first and foremost the main characters who are compelling and one roots for them and hopes that they will finally find the quiet life and happiness they deserve

[Jayne Powney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another satisfying instalment in the ongoing saga of Thomas and Catherine.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

My word, what a story! Our favourite characters Katherine & Thomas find themselves on the road again after a peaceful 5 years at Marton Hall to which they had returned after the horrors of the siege in Bamburgh Castle - told in book 2. Once again Toby Clements tells a richly rewarding story set during the wars of the roses - 1469 in this book- but told from the point of view of ordinary people who live their lives at the beck & call of their so-called betters.

I can’t wait to read Book 4.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the start of this instalment rather slow but once the plot got going it was as gripping as the previous two. Thomas and Katherine’s survival is sort of guaranteed as they need to feature in book 4 but everyone else is at risk and the tension is genuine.
One fact that stuck with me was that in 1469 there were 5 armies traversing England seeking allies and each other ready for battle. Must have been truly terrifying for the ordinary people.

[Ice Bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

We follow the tales of the ordinary men and women as they get caught up in the strife that is the war of the roses. We dip in and out of the machinations of the Kingmaker and the Kings and feel the tale is replete.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's been a few years of relative peace, but nothing that is good can last for Thomas and Katherine. The War of the Roses heats back up, and at one point there are five armies roaming the land. Allegiances flip back and forth so often that everyone has to be suspicious of everyone else. Thomas and Katherine continue to hold onto the ledger (the one that proves King Edward is illegitimate and therefore should not be king). Owning it is at once their burden and their bargaining chip, and never ceases to create problems for everyone. At one point, the Earl of Warwick has not one, but TWO kings locked up (the deposed King Henry and now his erstwhile king, Edward). That did historically happen, and Warwick did historically release Edward, although the record does not say why. Katherine continues to provide incredible medical services. The descriptions of how she went about the surgeries with the tools of the time were fascinating.

While kings and nobles are battering each other for their own egos and loot, the common person suffers. As one character observes, "‘Isn’t it always the way? Always. We are caught between two fuckers with more time and money than sense, with the power to order us about, to send other fuckers after us, to chase us from pillar to fucking post. It is always the fucking same." That about sums it up! Thomas sees two of his companions brutally killed and thinks they "struggled through their lives only to be murdered in a muddy field. Was that God’s plan for them, or were they part of His plan for the men that killed them?" God has nothing to do with war, but people keep trying to drag Him into it.

[Laura-Tuesday · Rating 3 out of 5]

Divided Souls keeps up the momentum of the series really well. It’s every bit as gritty and atmospheric as the first two, throwing you straight back into the mud, danger and shifting loyalties of the Wars of the Roses. I like how the characters continue to grow and how their choices feel messy and real; nothing is straightforward in this world.

It’s dark, often brutal, but that’s what makes it feel so authentic. The pace is steady but never dull, and once again I found myself pulled along by the story without wanting to put it down.

[Mieczyslaw Kasprzyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a superb series and, indeed, up to the very end, it read like the last in the series as threads were brought together and conclusions reached... so, surprise, surprise. I'm glad it's not over - I've enjoyed it tremendously.

[Cerisaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series, a gripping story set during the tumultuous times of the Wars of the Roses that follows the adventures of Thomas and Katherine, an ordinary couple struggling to survive against fierce odds. I doubt The books work well as standalone and should be read in order. They crack on at considerable pace and include graphic descriptions of battles and medical procedures. The history is solid, with emphasis very much On ordinary folk and how they suffer as the rich and powerful jostle for position and privilege in the on-going civil war conflict between supporters of Lancaster and York. The villains are BAD and Thomas and Catherine do seem to suffer inordinately from bad luck, unfortunate encounters and just being in the wrong place at the wrong time; however it would be pretty boring if they didnt! I like how the romance aspect is understated and the focus on action, politics and events. The writing is good, and characters nicely developed. The close of this third book certainly makes me want to pick up the fourth, and I believe final, novel ASAP, to find out what happens next.

[Paula Lofting · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is for the Audible version.

Great story, though at times seems a little implausible.
Read well, the narrator was good with his different accents, and there wasn't one of his voices that grated on me.
The plot throughout the series is clever and I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.
The thing about this book that stops me from giving it 5 stars is the present tense, which i have no problem with this per se when done well, but the constant head-hopping really jars! One minute I'm getting Thomas' point of view, the next its Katherine's. I think I would have preferred this book written in past tense though its not my call to make.
The other thing that diminishes the enjoyment slightly is that its extremely depressing. There is little light and shade, and Katherine goes around carving people up and chopping off limbs and it seems a little far fethced sometimes that nobody dies from it.
Other than those complaints, its a great book. Considering its Mr Clements' first series its an epic success!

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning to the adventures of Thomas, Katherine, the multiple Johns and the ongoing War of The Roses.

So many twists and turns in the third part of Toby Clement's epic, thankfully the narration improved as it could otherwise have lasted nearly as long as the conflict between York and Lancaster.

Definitely the best of the series so far, though unremittingly grim at times. I could wish that life were not quite so full of disasters for Thomas and Catherine, the historian in me knows life for the 'common man' was as hard then as Tory Politicians wish it were today, but a glimmer of a break would be good - then and now.

Mr Clements is to be congratulated on the scope of the tale, the attention to detail and the accuracy of his research. Well written, well edited and if you are interested in this period of history - have at it!

[Annelies - In Another Era · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this third book, we meet Thomas and Catherine five years after the events of the second novel. They live in peace and harmony at Marton Hall with their son Rufus and friends Jack and John Stump. But the peace will not hold for long. The Duke of Warwick turns against Edward IV and is looking for the secret of which Thomas and Catherine have proof. And he sends none other than Edmund Riven, their arch-enemy, on a quest to find it.

1469 is a strange year in the Wars of the Roses. The mysterious figure Robin of Redesdale fights against the king and it is said he has the support of the earl of Warwick. There are a number of battles in which some key figures, such as the earl of Pembroke, are eliminated. Warwick and the king quarrel, but do not meet. And at the end of the year the realm is strangely enough at peace again.

That must have been hard to understand for the common man, who is again dragged into a conflict that is not his. It’s the strength of this series. No focus on the big earls, kings and queens, but on the commoners who are trying to survive in troubled times.

And my God, Thomas and Catherine get themselves once again in trouble. A few of the same tropes are brought out and the book is, of course, somewhat predictable. But I liked it better than the second part. The events lead to a thrilling conclusion inside a tower of Middleham castle.

‘Divided souls‘ is a nice read and gives a different perspective on history. This is not the best series I will ever read, but I am looking forward to the fourth part to find out how it ends with Thomas, Catherine, Rufus and all those Johns.

Dutch review:
In dit derde boek ontmoeten we Thomas en Catherine 5 jaar later op Marton Hall. Maar schone liedjes duren niet lang. De hertog van Warwick keert zich tegen Edward IV en is op zoek naar het geheim waarvan Thomas en Catherine het bewijs bij zich hebben. En hij stuurt niemand minder dan Edmund Riven, hun aartsvijand, op zoektocht.

1469 is een vreemd jaar in de Rozenoorlogen. Er zijn een aantal veldslagen waarbij enkele sleutelfiguren worden uitgeschakeld. Warwick en de koning hebben ruzie, maar ontmoeten elkaar niet. En aan het eind van het jaar is alles weer pijs en vree.

Dat moet moeilijk te begrijpen geweest zijn voor de gewone man, die weeral wordt meegesleurd in een conflict dat niet het zijne is.

Thomas en Catherine werken zich nog steeds in de nesten. Er worden een paar dezelfde tropes bovengehaald en het boek is natuurlijk wat voorspelbaar. Maar ik vond het een beter deel dan het tweede. Het leest fijn weg en geeft een andere kijk op de geschiedenis. Dit is niet de beste serie die ik ooit gelezen zal hebben, maar ik kijk uit naar het vierde deel om te ontdekken hoe het afloopt met Thomas, Catherine, Rufus en al die Johnnen.

[Brian Hanson · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Funny how them that were right there know the least, isn't it?" asks one of Katherine's companions of her, referring to the limited knowledge of those caught up in - rather than conducting - the Wars of the Roses. Clements remains undivided in his purpose of bringing the experience of those people to light: those who experience the grand strategists as mere walk-on characters, and who are constantly surprised by the many changes of sides among the principals. There is a law of diminishing returns with a 4-book series (of which this is the third), though. Plot contrivances abound to bring together Thomas and Katherine in just the right places at just the right times, and the revenge subplot has grown a little tired after three outings. Of course I will read the final volume: dipping into these books has become my equivalent of soaking in a warm bath.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the first two books in this series and really enjoyed them. I like the fact that there are famous historical figures in this book but the characters we spend the most time with are ordinary. I also love the fact that this author can write a decent female character, something which in my experience is rarer than you might think. Even some super famous, popular male writers get it really wrong. I actually liked all of the characters, even the not-so-nice ones. I thought they were all well fleshed out and didn't rely on lazy stereotypes. I really enjoy a well written historical fiction novel and this is definitely one of those.

I have already bought the next book in this series so let's hope it ends as well as it began and continued.

[Rachel N · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wars of the Roses appear to be over, with Yorkist Edward on the throne and his opponents exiled or captured and Thomas and Katherine returning to live at Marton Hall. However, trouble continues with intrigue within the Yorkist cause from the Earl of Warwick and Duke of Clarence and it's not long before they are caught up again, this time with Edward. This is such a complicated time in history and it would be easy for it to become very messy to read but Clements does a great job in keeping everything easy to follow and creating a brilliant sense of the period. I loved it every bit as much, is not more, than the previous two and can't wait for what happens next. (Again, Jack Hawkins also does superb narration for the audiobook). Brilliant.

[Mary A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous! Full of tension and drama. Life is never too good for too long!
The characters are all wonderfully three dimensional, and I enjoy moving from Thomas’ point of view to Katherine’s, so I know what each are thinking. There were (of course) some implausible coincidences but I love the way the lives of these two ordinary people and their friends intersect with the great and the powerful and important moments in history. Liz was a great addition to the story.
The medical procedures are always a highlight of these books and the narration was absolutely top notch as well.

[Maia · Rating 3 out of 5]

a lot quieter than previous 2 because action is faster, sprinting from one situation to another quickly in between, and more improbable, it was as well-written as the previous two but i would recommend it to people who have already read those rather than stand-alone, whereas those two stand alone well. Fast read, gripping as usual. Learning the whole history of the wars of the roses - they're the new Tudors, what with Game of Thrones and reading Barbara Tuchman!

[Laureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this series. I fell in love with the characters Thomas & Katherine from the first book. The writing is wonderful and so is the backdrop research as well as it could be. It is easy reading but very well written, just how I like it like but quite gruesome, beware. I highly recommend this series to historical fiction lovers.
I am hopeful there will be a 4th book which, going from the 3rd, is highly probable.

[Torben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unterhaltsam, aber irgendwie auch nicht sehr reichhaltig. Ganz nett für nebenbei (als Hörbuch), ohne große Erschütterungen erzählt. Es ist klar, dass es ganz gut ausgeht. Die Motivation ist immer noch das Problem. Auch spielen die historischen Personen immer mehr die Rolle. Ein Übergangsroman ohne viel Spannung auf die Fortsetzung. Etwas wundert mich doch das positive Zitat von Hillary Mantel zum Buch.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and breathtaking - a fantastic continuation to the series and gripping from page to page. Just when you think our heroes are heading into irresversable danger, the story twists and turns keeping the reader guessing.

Toby Clements' writing about this era is first class writing and will leave you constantly looking up terminlogy and history on wikipedia :-) I look forward to the closing chapter in this remarkable story.

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, much the same experience as reading the second book. The machinations of the noble/royal families can be hard to follow and there's a lot of descriptions of travel, but ultimately it's a good story. Thomas, Catherine and their friends go through SO much pain, grief and persecution. It's a happy relief at the end that they get lucky and become wealthy, as far-fetched as it seems.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third book telling the story of Elizabeth and Thomas during the Wars of the Roses. I have loved all three books and now I find their story continues in another. I must find this book asap as I hope their tale will finally end in happiness for my two friends. I've learned so much about the ordinary people at this time, their lives were both precarious and difficult. An excellent read.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, it isa good premise to view this period of history from a new perspective. Very blood thirsty and gory, although in truth this time probably was. Some of the language didn’t ring true but that may be because I have read too many other historical dramas!

Not sure I would rush to read more books by this author.

[Kate Munro-Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very entertaining, although I am starting to find the antics of Katherine and Thomas a bit far-fetched. This is just a good yarn, whereas I found the first book in the series to be compelling and very well written. This is not up to the same standard but an entertaining read all the same.

[M.M. George · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fitting continuation to the series, though there are times when you want to shake Katherine and say, have some sense, girl. Still, if the book arouses such strong emotions, it's got to be good, hasn't it?

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this was an enjoyable read, it wasn't quite as quite a engrossing as the first two - for me more 3.5 than a full 4 stars. In some ways it felt like a tweak of the first two plots, although the scenes in the watch tower at Middleham gave it some stand out scenes to rival the previous novels.